When it comes to former NBA head coach Michael Malone’s MVP opinion, there won’t be any Denver Nuggets bias.
Malone’s former center, Nikola Jokic, is in the hunt for the MVP award once again. But the veteran head coach has his sights set on another winner: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 02: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles while sitting on the bench during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
âHeâs proven himself to be the best clutch player in the NBA. Heâs got five game-tying or go-ahead field goal makes in the last 30 seconds, and heâs got a chance to be the first guard ever to average 30 points per game while shooting 55% from the field,” Malone said of Gilgeous-Alexander.
“You talk about consistency, 20 points every single night against a defense that is trying to game plan for you. No disrespect to Wemby, Nikola Jokic, and everybody else, but I think SGA is incredible in his ability to impact the game in all shapes and forms.”
Michael Malone’s History With Nikola Jokic
GettyDENVER, CO – MARCH 12: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on March 12, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Since Nikola Jokic was a rookie, Malone coached the Nuggets up until the 2024-2025 NBA season.
The former head coach helped Jokic blossom into a multi-time MVP winner.
Since 2020-2021, Jokic has been an MVP finalist every season. He won the award three times. When he lost, he came second. The first time was to Joel Embiid in 2023. The second time was to Gilgeous-Alexander just last season.
Similar to Jokic in 2021 and 2022, Gilgeous-Alexander could repeat. The Thunder superstar has been the favorite for months.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O’Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
But that certainly won’t take away from what Jokic has accomplished this season.
Despite suffering a notable knee injury, which nearly prevented Jokic from having a shot at 65 games played this year, Jokic is still a strong contender for MVP.
In 61 games, the star center is posting averages of 27.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. As of Wednesday night (April 1), Jokic is officially averaging a triple-double for the season in back-to-back years.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ex-Nuggets Coach Takes Unexpected Stance Against Nikola Jokic appeared first on Heavy Sports.